ryan smith is a marine infantrymen that served in iraq. he writes about "the reality that awaits women in combat. societal norms are a reality, and their maintenance is important to most members of a society. despite the professionalism of marines, it would be zrakting and traumatizing to be forced to be naked in front of the opposite sex, particularly when your body has been ravaged by lack of hygiene. in the reverse, it would be painful to witness a member of the opposite sex in such an uncomfortable and awkward position. combat effectiveness is based in large part on unit cohesion. the relationships among members of a unit can be irreparably harmed by forcing them to violate societal norms." >> can we have an honest conversation about this? is there a point to be made there? >> first of all, when you're a serviceman like him, his opinion is meaningful whether you agree or disagree. we've got to show him that respect. i'm assuming that once that uniform goes on, the gender lines change. obviously, i've never been in combat. so, look. thi